Today is White Ribbon Day and marks the start of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and once again Knowsley Council is proudly supporting both of these campaigns.
Unfortunately, domestic abuse services across Knowsley continue to see increasing demand and the council is committed to ensuring that anyone living with domestic abuse can access the support they need.
Over the past year, the Knowsley Victim/Survivor Forum has continued to grow and provides a safe space for victim/survivors to come together to support each other and help shape domestic abuse support in the borough.
What is White Ribbon Day
White Ribbon Day is an annual awareness day aimed at preventing violence against women and girls and coincides with The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
This evening a vigil taking place in Derby Square in Liverpool to mark White Ribbon Day. The event has been organised by the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner and takes place from 5pm-6pm. More information is available here.
United Nations 16 Days of activism Against Gender-Based Violence
White Ribbon Day also marks the start of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Throughout this period, Knowsley Council will be raising awareness of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.
Greystone Bridge will be lit orange on 25 November. The colour orange is used to coincided with the “Orange the World” UN worldwide Campaign that is aimed at demonstrating solidarity in eliminating all forms of violence. Orange is therefore used as the colour of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said: “Today we mark White Ribbon Day and enter into the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Unfortunately, it is also another year of rising demand for domestic abuse service in Knowsley.
“Any incident of domestic abuse and violence against women is unacceptable, and we are committed to working with partners to tackle these issues across the borough.
“In March, our Cabinet agreed to a further £1m in funding to support domestic abuse victims and survivors. The permanent funding is being used to support essential services both in the Council’s domestic abuse services and Knowsley’s specialist independent services which includes The First Step.
“We are working towards the launch of a new domestic abuse strategy. I would urge all residents to take part in the survey and help shape this work.
“Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls will not be accepted in Knowsley and we are united with our partners in working to make a difference.”
What is White Ribbon Day?
White Ribbon Day is organised by White Ribbon, the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls.
The charity’s mission is to prevent violence by addressing its root cause. White Ribbon UK’s work is preventive and aims to change the long established, and harmful, attitudes, systems and behaviours around masculinity that perpetuate gender inequality and men’s violence against women.
This year, White Ribbon UK is encouraging men to hold themselves accountable to women, and to each other, so we can affect positive behaviour change to transform harmful cultures. Gender equality is key to making this culture change happen. Gender equality is achievable if men and boys understand and assume their responsibility as allies.
You can read more about the White Ribbon Pledge here.
Where to go for help:
If you, your child, or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, you should contact the police urgently, call 999. If you are not at immediate risk but are concerned, please contact one of the services listed below:
Knowsley Council Safer Communities Service (Specialist Domestic Abuse Service)
Tel: 0151 443 2610
Enquiries.safercommunities@knowsley.gov.uk
Knowsley Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub
Tel: 0151 443 2600
The First Step (Specialist Domestic Abuse Service)
Tel: 0151 548 3333
Website: www.thefirststep.org.uk
Savera UK
Helpline 0800 107 0726
www.saverauk.co.uk
Support is also available through:
- National Domestic violence Helpline 0808 2000 247
- Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 0327
- LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428
- Women’s Aid – Live chat to Women’s Aid
Galop
Galop is the leading LGBT+ anti-violence and abuse charity, providing the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline. They provide advice and support to individuals who have experienced hate crime, sexual violence, and domestic abuse and have an online referral form. They also offer a Trans Advocacy Service.
Website: www.galop.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk
Worried about a friend?
If you are are worried that your partner or ex-partner has a previous history of abuse, or if you’re worried a friend, neighbour or family member is at risk of abuse, you/they have the right to know if they have an abusive past.
The right to know is commonly known as Claire’s Law, or more formally the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), as was formally rolled out in England and Wales in 2014 and is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend in 2009.
Under Clare’s Law, you have the right to:
Apply for information about their current or ex-partner because they are worried, they may have a history of abuse and are a potential risk to them.
Request information about the current or ex-partner of a friend or relative because you’re worried, they might be at risk.
What happens when an application is made?
The police will assess if the person named in the application is a risk to their partner based on previous violence or abuse convictions. They will seek support from the Domestic Abuse Advocate/IDVA service if a domestic abuse professional is required for the visit. The survivor may need support following disclosure.
When might a DVDS not be needed?
When a full police disclosure has been obtained by children’s social care. The Social Worker can share basic details of risk, omitting any names. This will ensure that victims are aware that there is a domestic abuse history.
The GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 do not prevent, or limit, the sharing of information for the purposes of keeping children and young people safe.
How to make a request
A Clare’s Law request can be made by calling 101, online or at a police station. Online requests can be made at: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse
For further information visit www.clares-law.com